What is really behind the West’s colonial nostalgia
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The West's growing nostalgia for its colonial past reflects a dangerous shift in how historical imperialism is being reimagined as a positive force. This narrative seeks to erase the atrocities of colonialism, such as genocide, exploitation, and racial inequality, instead portraying it as an era of moral leadership and prosperity. By rehabilitating this history, figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have praised the pre-1945 imperial order, framing it as a time of expansion and civilizing mission. This revisionist view not only ignores the devastating impact on the Global South but also risks legitimizing contemporary power imbalances under the guise of "might makes right."
The article highlights how this nostalgia is part of a broader political backlash against acknowledging historical wrongs. While there have been some limited acknowledgments, such as Britain's recognition of torture camps in Kenya and Germany's genocide in Namibia without compensation, these gestures remain insufficient. Movements like Black Lives Matter and Rhodes Must Fall have pushed for greater accountability, challenging the dominant narrative of Western superiority and promoting anti-colonial thought. However, this critique has been met with a pushback from those who reject "white guilt" and instead promote colonialism as a benevolent force.
The stakes are high. By erasing the moral failures of the past, figures like Rubio are attempting to justify ongoing inequalities and power dynamics. This rewriting of history is not just about debating the past—it's about shaping the present's moral framework. If empire is seen as a force for good, then modern hierarchies can be reframed as responsible leadership, and military interventions can be spun as stewardship rather than domination.
This shift away from accountability poses significant risks. It threatens to undermine the global rules-based
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026